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French • Level 1 • GRAMMAR

homonyms

💡 Grammar Rule

French Homonyms with Different Genders

In French, some words are spelled and pronounced exactly the same way but change meaning depending on whether they are masculine or feminine. These are known as homonyms. Understanding the gender of these words is crucial for using them correctly in context.

Common Examples

1. Un livre vs. Une livre

  • Un livre (masculine): A book.
    Example: J'ai lu un livre passionnant. (I read an exciting book.)
  • Une livre (feminine): A pound (unit of weight or currency).
    Example: Je voudrais une livre de tomates. (I would like a pound of tomatoes.)

2. Le tour vs. La tour

  • Le tour (masculine): A turn, a trip, or a circuit (like the Tour de France).
    Example: Il a gagné le Tour de France. (He won the Tour de France.)
  • La tour (feminine): A tower.
    Example: La tour Eiffel est magnifique. (The Eiffel Tower is magnificent.)

3. Le poste vs. La poste

  • Le poste (masculine): A job position or a device (like a TV or radio set).
    Example: Il a trouvé un nouveau poste. (He found a new job position.)
  • La poste (feminine): The postal service or the post office.
    Example: Je vais à la poste pour envoyer un colis. (I'm going to the post office to send a package.)

4. Le mode vs. La mode

  • Le mode (masculine): A mode, a method, or a grammatical mood.
    Example: Quel est le mode d'emploi ? (What are the instructions for use?)
  • La mode (feminine): Fashion.
    Example: Elle s'intéresse beaucoup à la mode. (She is very interested in fashion.)

5. Un manche vs. Une manche

  • Un manche (masculine): A handle.
    Example: Le manche du balai est cassé. (The broom handle is broken.)
  • Une manche (feminine): A sleeve (of a garment) or a round/half (in a game).
    Example: Ma chemise a des manches longues. (My shirt has long sleeves.)

6. Un mémoire vs. La mémoire

  • Un mémoire (masculine): An academic dissertation or a written report.
    Example: Il écrit son mémoire de master. (He is writing his master's dissertation.)
  • La mémoire (feminine): The faculty of memory.
    Example: J'ai une bonne mémoire visuelle. (I have a good visual memory.)
Is it a good book?
Est-ce un bon livre ?
Yes, it is a famous novel.
Oui, c’est un roman célèbre.
I am buying a pound of apples.
J’achète une livre de pommes.
They look delicious.
Elles ont l’air délicieuses.
Where is the knife handle?
Où est le manche du couteau ?
It is on the table.
Il est sur la table.
Her sleeve is too long.
Sa manche est trop longue.
She has to cut it.
Elle doit la couper.
Do you like current fashion?
Tu aimes la mode actuelle ?
No, I prefer the old style.
Non, je préfère le style ancien.
Change the instructions mode.
Changez le mode d’emploi.
Okay, I am reading the instructions.
D’accord, je lis les instructions.
Are you looking at the Eiffel Tower?
Regardes-tu la tour Eiffel ?
Yes, it is very tall.
Oui, elle est très haute.
It is your turn to play.
C’est ton tour de jouer.
Thanks, I am throwing the dice.
Merci, je lance les dés.
Where is the post office?
Où est le bureau de la poste ?
It is at the end of the street.
Il est au bout de la rue.
He is looking for a new job.
Il cherche un nouveau poste.
I hope he finds it.
J’espère qu’il va le trouver.
Do you have a good memory?
Avez-vous une bonne mémoire ?
No, I forget everything.
Non, j’oublie tout.
He is finishing his dissertation.
Il finit son mémoire.
It is a difficult piece of work.
C’est un travail difficile.
Are you eating a mussel?
Tu manges une moule ?
Yes, they are fresh.
Oui, elles sont fraîches.
He is using a cake mold.
Il utilise un moule à gâteau.
The cake will be beautiful.
Le gâteau sera beau.
Is the stove hot?
Est-ce que le poêle est chaud ?
Yes, it heats the room.
Oui, il chauffe la pièce.
I am washing the frying pan.
Je lave la poêle.
Thanks, I am going to cook.
Merci, je vais cuisiner.
Do you see the boat’s sail?
Tu vois la voile du bateau ?
Yes, it is white.
Oui, elle est blanche.
The bride is wearing a veil.
La mariée porte un voile.
She is very elegant.
Elle est très élégante.
Is there mud here?
Est-ce qu’il y a de la vase ici ?
Yes, the bottom of the water is dirty.
Oui, le fond de l’eau est sale.
I put the flowers in the vase.
Je mets les fleurs dans le vase.
They smell very good.
Elles sentent très bon.

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